The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to reinforce its economic ties with Germany to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and stimulate job creation, mainly through vocational training and skilled migration.
The minister of industry, trade, and investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while welcoming a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Germany.
The delegation’s visit aims to strengthen the economic relationship between Nigeria and Germany. It will focus on investment opportunities, job creation, and business development in areas such as vocational training and workforce migration.
Addressing the delegation, the minister emphasised the alignment between the German initiatives and Nigeria’s strategic priorities, particularly in youth empowerment, vocational training, and migration.
“It is a pleasure to welcome you and hear what you have in store. One of our priority programmes, which you mentioned, the National Talent Export Programme, we are repositioning to scale up Nigerian youth in services, vocational training, and managed skills migration,” she stated.
She further highlighted Nigeria’s potential to become a key player in international trade, leveraging its growing, youthful, skilled workforce to meet Germany’s increasing demand for labour. Structured migration pathways were also discussed as a means to benefit both economies.
Oduwole strongly supported the upcoming World Meets in Giessen Conference, emphasising Nigeria’s openness to opportunities for its youth.
In his address, the German delegation, led by the president of the Giessen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Matthias Leder, emphasised the mutual benefits of their continued cooperation, focusing on two key areas: investment opportunities and skilled labour migration.
Leder extended an invitation for Nigeria to participate in the World Meets in Giessen conference, scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, in Germany. The conference will connect global businesses in a B2B format.
“We offer a B2B conference where companies from around the world can come to Giessen to network and pitch. To support these companies, we also invite honourable ministers, ambassadors, and consul generals, as these excellencies serve as the perfect door openers to enter a foreign market,” he said.
He also reflected on the success of the dual vocational training system already implemented in Abuja, Abeokuta, and Lagos, which has significantly reduced youth unemployment in those areas.
“We have already implemented this in Nigeria, and it was successful. More than 95 per cent of the apprentices in these three locations received job offers,” Leder said. “We are convinced this is a key factor for Nigeria’s development and growth.”
Nigeria’s collaboration with Germany is poised to create long-term economic opportunities, focusing on workforce development, labour mobility, and investment attraction.
This partnership is expected to be pivotal in strengthening Nigeria’s economy, providing employment for its youthful population, and attracting international businesses looking to tap into Nigeria’s growing market.
In his remarks, Bruit Costaud’s managing partner, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation between the two nations.
“We deeply appreciate your time and engagement, and we believe this collaboration will yield meaningful outcomes that will further strengthen the economic and trade relationship between Nigeria and Germany,” he said.
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